How to make "Turkey Feathers" stand up on cake?

I was just trying to decide how to get those "feathers" in the back to stand up? I first thought it was fondant on a stick and then stuck into the cake...but I think with all those and that much weight..it would make the back of the cake collapse with so many sticks in it..Anyone have any ideas what I could do? I am still kinda new to this :) Thanks!